JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Retail florists, floral designers and a diverse range of other professionals from throughout the nationwide floral community descended on Jacksonville, Florida, January 20-22, for Fresh Forum® 2017. The event was hosted by Napco and BloomNet® and nearly 100 attendees were on-hand to share creative ideas and explore business strategies.
The Fresh Forum event included an extensive assortment of programs and presentations. Anthony Swick, AIFD, CFD, PFCI and Lesley Bolden, AIFD presented an enlightening stage program focusing on the latest trends for 2017 Fall, Holiday and Everyday. Renato Sogueco, BloomNet Vice President of Digital Strategy and Education, presented an informative session titled “How to Plan Your Digital Strategy.”
Special guest expert Sharon McGukin, AIFD, AAF, PFCI presented an invigorating stage program titled “Down the Aisle in Style – A Walk Through 2017 Wedding Trends.” Sharon also presented two hands-on workshops, titled “In Love With Floral Cuffs” and “The Return of the Cascade.”
New to Fresh Forum this year were live streaming video feeds of the various programs via Facebook Live, providing florists who were unable to attend the event in Jacksonville with an opportunity to view the programs online. Videos are currently posted on BloomNet’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/BloomNet.net) and on the Floriology® Institute website (www.floriologyinstitute.com). Also new to Fresh Forum 2017 were one-on-one demonstrations of BloomNet’s latest technology offerings designed to increase florists’ sales as well as operational efficiencies, including: BloomNet Commerce websites; the new local delivery management module; and several other technological innovations.
In addition during Fresh Forum, a new fashion accessory collection from Napco...called Bayberry Road...was introduced. The new product line features boutique-style jewelry and other fashion accessories developed exclusively by Napco. The line will include trend-forward products from two seasons each year: Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter.
Another highlight of Fresh Forum 2017 was a design competition sponsored by Floriology Institute. First place in the competition was shared by Patti Fowler, AIFD, CFD of Flowerama® in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Kierstin Rutan of 1800Flowers | Jacksonville, Florida. Second place went to Andie Muller, FSMD of The Flower Studio in Altamonte Springs, Florida and third place went to Kristina Metcalf of Fleurs de Vedra in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
Also during Fresh Forum 2017, a drawing was held featuring a Grand Prize trip for two to the SAF (Society of American Florists) Annual Convention at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida September 6-9, 2017. The Grand Prize, which includes airfare, hotel and registration to the convention, was won by Sandy Lincoln of Any Blooming Thing in Bloomingdale, Georgia.
Complementing Fresh Forum, Napco is presenting it annual pre-show now through March 1, 2017. More than 1,000 new Napco items are being introduced during pre-show along with versatile merchandising ideas florists can utilize to enhance their in-store displays and promotions. The pre-show event is being held in the Napco corporate showroom in Jacksonville, Florida and florists attending the event can take advantage of VIP shopping, show specials, seasonal dating, freight incentives and other important benefits.
“Napco and BloomNet were thrilled to welcome florists from across North America to Fresh Forum 2017. I want to thank all who attended, helping to make this year’s event one of our best ever,” said Mark Nance, AAF, President of BloomNet. “I also want to thank our presenters, each of whom shared their artistry and expertise, showcasing new possibilities in floral design and providing leading-edge ideas florists can utilize to grow their businesses. And, I want to congratulate and thank all the designers who participated in the Floriology Institute Design Competition...your amazing talents are an inspiration to everyone.”
About Napco
With more than 75 years as a trusted source to the floral and related industries, Napco (www.napcoimports.com) is the one-stop-shopping home for floral, garden, gift and seasonal decor needs. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, Napco creates, imports and distributes a vast line of products featuring exclusive designs. The company’s diverse product line includes floral containers in virtually all shapes, sizes and colors along with decorative accents, inspirational and sympathy products, a wide variety of garden items, superior quality glassware, and trend-forward products carefully selected for holidays throughout the year including Valentine’s Day, Christmas and many other special occasions. Dedicated to providing unparalleled customer service, Napco has a highly experienced team of sales associates located throughout the United States and the company offers flexible purchasing options as well as state-of-the-art order fulfillment capabilities. Napco is a division of BloomNet® and a member of the 1-800-FLOWERS.COM family of brands.
About BloomNet®
As the leading floral industry service provider, BloomNet (www.BloomNet.net), a wholly-owned subsidiary of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, is focused on continually exceeding the expectations of its select community of Florists. Retail Florists across the nation and around the globe rely upon BloomNet as their trusted source for unique personalized service, comprehensive florist care, innovative programs, and quality products designed to increase their viability. BloomNet is committed to working side by side with our Florists to foster industry education, build community, and develop long term relationships built on trust, commitment, and dependability.
About Floriology Institute
As the premier, industry-accredited floral education center, the Floriology Institute is dedicated to building a foundation for excellence, enabling innovative approaches in floral design and retail business practices that empower florists to reach their full potential and allow their customers to recapture the joy and expression of the language of flowers. The Floriology Institute offers an extensive range of courses, electives and forums featuring hands-on sessions, in-depth lectures and online learning opportunities. Instructors at the Floriology Institute include award winning floral designers and highly experienced floral industry business professionals.
